Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said that simplification under reform of the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must mean "less schemes".

The minister addressed farmers at the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) annual general meeting (AGM) tonight (Thursday, February 13).

Minister Heydon told the crowd that he recognises the "layers of bureaucracy" within Europe that "frustrates" farmers, and that the schemes that are there "need to do more" to support farmers.

"We have talked in previous CAPs about simplification, and then done the opposite. We introduced schemes that were more complex," Minister Heydon said.

The first Commission proposal for the new CAP reform is midway through 2026, which gives the new minister around 16 months to negotiate with department colleagues and EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen.

"I see in the department how we work so hard, how officials work so hard to design schemes that can give a proper return to the department for the actions they're taking," Minister Heydon said.

"But that's why we had an argument with other politicians during the election campaign over putting figures on how much extra increase could be put in place for beef schemes and sheep schemes.

"By just increasing money given to the area, the cost in current income given to that model means the more you increase the money, the more you increase conditionality," the minister said.

He said that both beef and sheep farmers "do need" more money, but that the system currently in place is "broken".

The minister said that now is time for a "reboot" and that he wants to communicate an understanding for what farmers, fishers, foresters and the food industry contribute to Irish society and the economy.

"Farmers are hurting, I've seen it and heard it. They're feeling pressure from inside and outside the farm gate. We need to better explain the contribution agriculture makes," Minister Heydon said.

The minister said that CAP will be a priority during his new role as minister and that he will ensure farming policies are "front and centre".

"Ireland's current CAP Strategic Plan is delivering supports of €9.8 billion over the five years to 2027. I will be fighting for a robust and fully funded CAP which supports sustainability in all three dimensions," Minister Heydon said.

He said it is "important" that farmers have "certainty" about supports available so that they can plan for the future of their businesses.